The most attractive characteristic of yard management services is the optimization that produces efficient and cost-effective operations.
Enhancing turnaround times is key to this, improving factors such as, overall supply chain efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
How can you enhance your turnaround time? Here are our key strategies!
Automate, Automate, Automate
Technology in logistics is helping the industry optimize supply chains in every sector, but especially in yard management.
Implement automated check-in systems that use technologies like RFID tags or barcodes. This eliminates the need for manual paperwork and speeds up the registration process for incoming vehicles, reducing waiting times at the gate.
Real-Time Visibility Provides More Insight
Utilize yard management systems (YMS) equipped with real-time tracking and visibility features. This enables operators to monitor yard activities, track inventory movements, and identify potential bottlenecks in real-time, allowing for prompt interventions.
Dive Into Dynamic Dock Scheduling
Disruptions caused by container congestion can potentially stop a supply chain in its tracks. To prevent this, implement dynamic dock scheduling systems that allocate loading and unloading slots based on real-time demand and availability.
No only does this prevent congestion, but also optimizes resource allocation, and ensures a smoother flow of trucks through the yard.
Get Digital With Communication
Communication between staff, drivers, and stakeholders is so important for yard management, and one way to create more visibility is by leveraging digital communication tools.
Instant messaging or mobile apps can be used to provide updates on dock availability, vehicle readiness, and other important information.
Organization Operations
There’s nothing like good ol’ fashioned organization to get the ball rolling.
You can achieve this by establishing standardized operating procedures for yard operations. Clear guidelines for tasks such as vehicle inspection, cargo handling, and documentation can help reduce errors, increase efficiency, and minimize delays.
Design the yard layout for optimal traffic flow and easy access to loading docks. Well-planned layouts reduce the distance traveled by vehicles within the yard, leading to faster turnaround times.
Reduce Wait Times With Pre-Appointment Systems
Implement pre-appointment systems where carriers schedule their arrival times in advance. This enables better resource allocation and reduces wait times for trucks, as yard staff can prepare for incoming vehicles.
